By Donnie A. LucasDespite picking up just over $10,000 in the last two weeks, the Albany Chest is still short almost $8,200 of the $47,000 goal set for the year.While technically the fund drive ended on Dec.

By Sam WallerPreparations for the Shackelford Youth and Livestock Show are picking up speed as the 2023 event draws nearer.Shackelford Youth and Livestock Association president Bronco Askew said fundraising letters have been sent out in advance of the show.

By Melinda L. LucasPick-up dates for the January distribution of the commodity food program are set for today (Thursday) in Moran and tomorrow for Albany recipients.The monthly food program will be held from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m.

By Donnie A. LucasPositive cases of both COVID-19 and the influenza were on the rise during the week prior to Christmas but slowed last week.A total of 16 positive COVID-19 results were reported for the week of Dec. 19-23, along with 22 positive tests for the flu.

By Sam WallerMore than 110 were served by volunteers from Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church and the rest of the community as part of the annual MMPC Christmas Feast.Event organizer Tamara Trail said there was only a slight dip from a year ago when approximately 120 meals were served.

By Melinda L. LucasThe first Chamber luncheon of 2023 is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 6 at the Beehive.Chamber luncheons are held each Friday from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. and are open to anyone who would like to get involved and help with the various Chamber projects throughout the year.

By Sam WallerFort Griffin State Historic Site has a new look with the completion of work on its playground.Site manager Mitch Baird said the project took literally decades from conception to completion.“I have been trying for 20 years to get this new playground,” Baird said.

By Sam WallerProject Graduation is taking a different approach in its fundraising efforts for the Albany High School Class of 2023, but the end goal remains the same.Organizer Amanda Tabor said the project will not conduct a Valentine sale this year, but earlier efforts have gone well.

By Sam WallerShackelford County 4-H is hitting the ground running in 2023 with preparations for the upcoming county livestock show being given high priority.Steer Weigh-inFinal weigh-in for the county show’s new commercial steer class will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8 at Watt Casey’s pens.

Angelo State University in San Angelo, has announced the students achieving the Dean’s List for the 2022 fall semester, including Ana Balliew of Albany.To be eligible for the ASU Dean’s List, full-time undergraduate students must maintain a 3.25 or better grade point average on a 4.0 scale.